Hidden Gems: Meet Ryan Perry of The Center for Orthopedic and Athletic Injuries

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ryan Perry.

Hi Ryan, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in Surrey, British Columbia, a suburb of Vancouver nestled in the heart of Canada’s west coast. From a young age, sports were my passion — I threw myself into hockey, baseball, football, soccer, and tennis. But it was basketball that truly captured my heart. Bouncing between so many sports early on helped me pick up new skills quickly and gave me a broad athletic foundation.

After high school, I attended Simon Fraser University to pursue a degree in kinesiology. My original goal was to become a physical therapist but that path shifted when my mother was diagnosed with sciatica. Despite trying a range of treatments, it was chiropractic care that brought her real relief. Curious to learn more, I spent several days shadowing her chiropractor, who generously allowed me to observe him working with patients. After just one day, I knew — this was what I wanted to do.

Once I earned my kinesiology degree from SFU, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue my Doctorate of Chiropractic — and to enjoy a bit more sun and surf. The plan was to return to Vancouver after graduation, but California had other plans for me. I fell in love with the lifestyle and decided to stay, eventually joining The Arcadia Spine Center. It was there that I met Dr. Robert Clarizio, an incredible mentor who taught me not only how to treat patients but also how to run a successful practice.

While working at Arcadia, I encountered a particularly challenging case — a patient whose symptoms just wouldn’t improve. Dr. Clarizio, who had a background in massage therapy, suggested trying myofascial release. It worked — and it opened my eyes to the power of combining muscle treatment with joint mobilization. That experience led me to Active Release Technique, or A.R.T.

I took my first A.R.T. course in 2006 and immediately knew I had found my tribe. The room was full of people deeply passionate about the science behind movement and performance. I didn’t always understand the questions being asked — let alone the answers — but I knew I wanted to reach that level of mastery. From that moment, I set my sights on mastering A.R.T. and becoming one of the best in the profession.

In 2007, I opened a practice with a former classmate, with a shared vision of bringing the benefits of A.R.T. and chiropractic care not just to elite athletes, but to everyday people. I continued refining my skills by attending seminars and deepening my expertise. The business thrived, but over time, it became clear that my partner and I had different standards and visions for the future. While I was driven to raise the standard of care — not just within our office, but across the entire profession — my partner didn’t share that same level of commitment. In 2021, I made the difficult decision to leave the practice I’d built and partner with Dr. Frank Amato, who shared my vision for higher standards in care.

Later that same year, I got a call that would change everything. Jeff Andrews from the LA Kings reached out to see if I’d be interested in becoming the chiropractor for the Ontario Reign, the Kings’ AHL affiliate. Growing up in Canada, hockey was more than just a sport — it was part of our culture. So the opportunity to work with professional players felt like coming full circle.

Then, in 2022, my career took another leap forward when I was offered the position of Head Chiropractor for the LA Kings. It’s been a remarkable journey — from a kid in Surrey obsessed with sports, to helping some of the world’s best athletes stay healthy, mobile, and game-ready. And I wouldn’t trade a minute of it.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like most meaningful journeys, mine hasn’t been without its challenges. One of the most difficult decisions I’ve faced was leaving the practice I had co-founded with a former business partner. It felt like walking deep into a forest and realizing the path I was on—while once full of promise—was no longer leading to where I wanted to go.

By that point, I had already invested years of effort, energy, and identity into that direction. Turning back and choosing a new path felt like a step backward in my career, and that’s never easy. But I knew I had to bet on myself and pursue a vision that aligned with my values and aspirations. It was a tough decision—but ultimately the right one. And thankfully, it’s a decision that’s been paying off ever since.

We’ve been impressed with The Center for Orthopedic and Athletic Injuries, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Thank you for asking. Frank and I have put a great deal of thought into defining our company’s core values. We’ve identified five that serve as our foundation: integrity, accountability, self-improvement, respect, and delivering the “wow” factor. These aren’t just words on a wall — they’re principles we strive to live by, both inside and outside of the clinic. We hold ourselves to high standards and do our best to inspire our team to do the same.

At The Center, we foster an environment where our therapists are encouraged to bring their unique approaches and techniques to patient care. This not only allows for authentic clinical expression, but also helps patients find the right fit for their individual needs.

While our treatments typically include manual therapy, joint mobilizations, rehabilitation exercises, and other evidence-based methods, our true focus lies in the diagnosis. We take the time to understand the root cause of each patient’s issue so we can craft a personalized treatment plan — one that goes beyond symptom relief to correct the underlying dysfunction. That’s why athletes of all levels, from weekend warriors to professionals, trust us to help them recover and return to the sport they love.

Ultimately, my vision for our practice is simple: I want it to be known as a place where people receive exceptional care and an honest experience. Whether we solve a patient’s issue in one visit or it takes several, one thing is guaranteed — they’ll get 100% from us every time.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Honesty is a core value for me — not just in how I treat patients, but in how I live my life. I believe it all starts with being honest with yourself. Personal growth is nearly impossible if you’re unwilling to face your own shortcomings or if you’re telling yourself a version of the truth that’s more comfortable than it is accurate. It’s human nature to hide our weaknesses out of insecurity, but I’ve found that real progress happens when we’re willing to examine those areas and commit to improving them.

In a clinical setting, honesty is absolutely essential. It goes both ways: patients need to be honest about their symptoms and lifestyle for us to reach an accurate diagnosis, and in return, I owe them complete transparency about what it will take to fix the issue. Sugarcoating doesn’t help anyone heal.

That same principle applies to every relationship in my life — especially with my business partner, Frank. For our partnership to thrive, we have to be able to speak openly, especially when we disagree. That kind of honest communication pushes us to grow — not just as practitioners or business owners, but as husbands, friends, and individuals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chiroperry.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chiroperry
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chiroperry
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/southbaychiropractor/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Ryanperrychiropractic
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/ryan-e-perry-dc-the-center-for-orthopedic-and-athletic-injuries-hermosa-beach-4